1996 S-10

I got this truck about a year ago and have been happy with it, about 3 months ago I started to lose coolant at fast rates. Every 3-4 days I have to fill it. There is no apperant leak from the bottom. I have been told to replace the water pump, but I don't want to buy it if there might be another problem. Does anyone know if there is a problem with other 1996 chevy s10's (V6 4.3 with air).

Lay under the truck and look up at the water pump. There is a hole in the bottom side of it that will leak if the water pump seal has gone bad. also check your hoses good, sometimes they will leak in a plase where they rub some part of the body or engine and you won't see it. The last thing that you don't want is a blown head gasket. This will do one of two things, let it leak rite into the cylinder and it will burn off or go into your oil pan. If it goes in the pan your oil will be white colored and foamy.

Many things that can leak on these trucks. Main thing is to find out for sure whether it's internal or external leakage. Park it on concrete for several days/nights and check under it close for antifreeze. If not external it's either intake leaking into the crankcase, pretty common, or a head gasket. The head gasket might cause it to run a little rough on cold startup and some white smoke. An intake leak will contaminate the oil, ruin the whole engine in short order.